REFUSE workers will go on strike for two weeks next month in an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

The GMB union announced 14 days of industrial action from March 14, accusing Adur and Worthing Councils of "refusing to negotiate" with them.

A ballot for the walkout was supported unanimously by union members with a turnout of 89.8 per cent.

The members, who work as refuse, streets and recycling operatives and drivers, are demanding an across-the-board pay rise, in addition to increases in allowance rates for overtime and shift patterns.

They are also calling for a review of operating and management practices.

Gary Palmer, GMB regional organiser, said: "Continued belligerence by council management will see residents' rubbish uncollected and the streets dirty for a sustained period of industrial action.

"It needn't be this way, but our members' perfectly legitimate concerns need addressing; not through informal methods offered by the council, but via formal negotiations with their chosen trade union.

"GMB union will use all means at our disposal to ensure we get a decent deal for our members, and though it is always a last resort, this includes industrial action.

"It's now down to the council to make the next move."

The union also said on social media that it will announce plans for another strike in Hastings later this week.

The strike follows another two-week-long strike by the GMB in Brighton and Hove last year that saw rubbish pile up on streets across the city, ending with an agreement to increase pay for refuse collectors and council workers.

GMB branch secretary Mark Turner said there is still time for management and councillors to “consider the good, the bad and the ugly consequences of action, and make an improved offer”.

“The mandate from our members couldn’t be much clearer after this ballot. We remain prepared to talk to the council, but at the same time be absolutely ready to fight if doors remain closed to us,” he said.

“There will be a period of time while we look to issue notices for action and I might suggest that council officers and elected councillors use that time to consider the good, the bad, and the ugly consequences around their choice to get this sorted.

“If not, they can accept responsibility for any strike action and inconvenience caused for the residents of Adur and Worthing.”

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